A Small Stove to Combat Big Problems

Our Gyapa™ stove is an improved cookstove that uses up to 50% less charcoal in comparison to a traditional stove. Through the production, distribution and use of this product we have been able to make a significant impact on Ghanaian livelihoods.

Our production network includes 6 certified ceramists and over 400 metal artisans. As partner to these small and micro-businesses Gyapa Enterprises provides trade financing, production and business training and marketing support. Since 2011 we have provided over $59,000 in loans used for individual business expansion and working capital as well as other strategic investments. To date over 487,434 stoves have been sold, benefiting over 2.4 Million Ghanaians

In 2012 the average household saved $95 directly from the reduction in household charcoal consumption. Commercial users saved $440 from using less charcoal. This resulted in a savings of over $11 million for Gyapa users across Ghana. Our customers have been able to spend the money they have saved on such necessities as rent, health care and school fees.

Deforestation is a major global issue, Ghana's deforestation rate between 2005 and 2010 was the 6th highest globally, at 1.64% per year. The crucial carbon sink that rainforests act as is lost through the act of deforestation, it is estimated that healthy forests have the ability to absorb 15% of man-made carbon emissions and it is calculated that deforestation and degradation of rainforests attribute to around 20% of all carbon emissions. Due to the reduced consumption of charcoal through using Gyapa™ stoves our customers have helped slowed deforestation rates, as well as reduce carbon emissions.The everyday task of cooking can be a very hazardous chore for those using traditional cooking methods, with both household air pollution and burns having a considerable effect on Ghanaian life. According to WHO's 2004 estimate, nearly 11 million people per year are burned severely enough to require medical attention. In a publication released in March 2013 entitled ReThink Burns, it is estimated that infants in Africa are burned to death at 3 times the worldwide rate, 95% of all burns victims are in developing countries. A key factor in the incidence of burns in the home is cooking appliance safety and the potential for young children to tip over the stove. The Gyapa™ stove is built with a wide base, which is not only conducive to the cultural style of cooking, but is also weighted to be difficult to tip over.WHO puts diseases related to household air pollution as the 4th highest risk to those in developing countries. Within Ghana, over 19 million people, 80% of the total population, are affected by household air pollution. This results in an estimated 6,500 deaths per year, 4,200 of which were children. It is clearly apparent that household air pollution is an issue that needs to be addressed. By developing a cookstove that is appropriate to the Ghanaian market, users find that Gyapa Cookstoves are affordable, easy to use and beneficial to their health (GACC, 2012)

Watch the award winning 'Black Inside - Three Women's Voices' produced by the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves to hear from women who used traditional cookstoves and how they are benefiting from an improved cookstove.